Obituary of Rick Vangelisti

Rick Vangelisti, age 66, tragically died in a house fire on Dec 7, 2013. He was born in San Francisco on April 10, 1947 and lived in the greater bay area most of his life. He graduated from Mills High School in Millbrae, CA and served in the US Navy soon after, completing four years and two Pacific tours of duty on the USS Coral Sea. Returning to civilian life, he married and followed his passion of health and fitness, first with Jack LaLane's Heath Clubs, then realized his dream of developing a club of his own. Always an entrepreneur, Rick created an environment strictly for ladies and named it First Lady Spa. After expanding it to six locations, the last being the location on 41st Ave, Soquel, Rick sold the business and retired to Santa Cruz county in his mid 40's to pursue another passion, an active retirement, which included long rides on his Harley with best buds and many trips to Tahoe, no matter the season. Rick had a great sense of humor and loved companionship, so much so that he married four times; most still think of him fondly! He is survived by his beloved sister Sheri Cramer of Ocala, Florida; three nephews; Don, Todd and Scott Cramer; great nephews and nieces; Kayla, Jenner, Audrey, Jenna, Hayden, Dallas, Emma, Rachael and Alaina and a great- great nephew, Odin. He was pre-deceased by his parents, William (Van) and Carolyn (Kay) Vangelisti of Millbrae, CA. The passing of Rick leaves a hole on the hearts of his friends, and family, but we know that Rick has found that ever elusive peace that he so craved. A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at Valencia Hall, 2555 Valencia Rd., Aptos, at 7pm. In lieu of contributions, the family asks that you buy a poppy from a vet on Memorial and Veterans Days and wear it in remembrance of a courageous man who served his county and carried the scars to prove it.